Quest Community News Local Sports Stars awards open for 2018

TRACK queen Riley Day is sprinting to the Commonwealth Games but the teen has not forgotten where she started — a big win with the Quest Community News Local Sports Stars.

Quest Community News Local Sports Stars is back again in 2018.

TRACK queen Riley Day is sprinting to the Commonwealth Games next month — but the teen has not forgotten where she started.

The 17-year-old spent countless hours in the car on the way to training sessions and tournaments during her formative years at Beaudesert, and said it was one of the reasons she wanted to encourage others to apply for the 2018 Quest Community News Local Sports Stars competition.

Riley Day celebrates winning the womens 200 metres final during the Australian Athletics Championships at Carrara Stadium. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England.

Day started her bid for Games qualification on the right foot, winning the 2017 Quest Community News Junior Sports Star of the Year award.

“It’s an honour to receive it,” she said on the night.

“There’s so many amazing athletes in the running for it. I congratulate them as well for being a finalist.

“It’s such a shock and an honour (to win).”

The Queensland winners of the Quest Community News Local Sports Stars awards in 2017.

Last year Day competed at the Australian Athletics Championships, travelled to the Bahamas for the Commonwealth Youth Games and raced against Usain Bolt at the Nitro

Athletics.

“I got into the Youth Commonwealth Games team and won the 200m, second in the 100m and won the 4 x 100m (relay),” she said.

“From that I got selected into the World Athletics Championships – I just stood there for 10 minutes because I was in complete and utter shock they’d even consider me for the team.

“I’m excited and I’m more motivated to get the results (after the year I had).”

For our 2017 Young Sporting Spirit winner Lochie Barwick, taking out the award was an incredible ­experience.

Lochie Barwick with his award from last year.

The 11-year-old from Deception Bay is a promising wakeboarder and scooter rider, who was recognised for giving away his prizes to help others.

“It was really exciting to win and it didn’t feel like I deserved it,” a humble Lochie said.

“I think it’s a good thing someone else has a chance to win the award now.

“It helps with community and the fun of sport. It’s about giving back to the community.”

To nominate a Quest Local Sports Star, visit localsportsstars.com.au